With a power reminiscent of Deftones and hinting at new wave, the song progresses towards a critical peak, and a journey into Killing Joke territory, before spiraling back out into the melodic emotive hook of the chorus.
Water
City Of Souls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There you are colliding with me
Fill you up to let you down, I
Wouldn't have it any other way
Out on the water
We both run to ground
Feel the breath of fire at your cheek
I threw you out, and
Run you round, I
Threw you out just to
Chase you down
Out on the water
We both run to ground
I'll steer on through
Deepest ocean bound
Take a deep breath, in this salty grave
Help the numb embrace us
Deep breath, in this salty grave
Help the numb embrace us
Out on the water
We both circle down
I'll steer on through
Deepest ocean bound
(Deepest ocean bound)
The song by City Of Souls, titled "Water," appears to be about a relationship that is both intense and volatile. The lyrics seem to suggest the singer is drawn to their partner despite the chaos that ensues when they are together. The opening lines, "Everywhere I turn, there you are colliding with me," suggests that no matter where they go, their partner is with them, and their presence is overwhelming. The following line, "Fill you up to let you down, I wouldn't have it any other way" seemingly suggests that the singer enjoys the thrill of the highs and lows of their relationship and wouldn't have it any other way.
The chorus has a somewhat foreboding tone, "Out on the water, we both run to ground." The singers seem to be in deep waters, both literally and metaphorically. The repetition of the line, "Deepest ocean bound" emphasizes that they are in a place where they cannot swim back to safety, and they are both sinking into a state of numbness and accepting their fate.
The second stanza seems to focus on the physical intimacy between the couple. The sun burning and the breath of fire reference hot, intense moments of passion, but even during those moments, the singer is still pushing their partner away, "I threw you out, and run you round." Nevertheless, the singer can't help but chase after their partner, "threw you out just to chase you down." The bridge, "Take a deep breath, in this salty grave, help the numb embrace us," suggests the couple has given up and accepted their fate to sink further into their toxic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Everywhere I turn
No matter where I go, you are always there and somehow affecting me.
There you are colliding with me
Your presence is powerful and unavoidable, and sometimes even causes a clash or conflict with me.
Fill you up to let you down, I
I give you everything I have, but eventually end up disappointing you or letting you down.
Wouldn't have it any other way
Despite the highs and lows of our relationship, I wouldn't want anything to change.
Out on the water
We are out in the open, exposed and vulnerable.
We both run to ground
Despite being on water, we feel like we are stuck or unable to move forward.
Feel the sun burning
We experience intense heat or passion, perhaps both physically and emotionally.
Feel the breath of fire at your cheek
We are so close that we can feel each other's breath, which may be hot and intense like a flame.
I threw you out, and
I pushed you away or ended our relationship abruptly.
Run you round, I
I play mind games or make things difficult for you, causing you to chase me.
Threw you out just to
I broke things off with you for no real reason, only to...
Chase you down
...realize that I still want you and try to win you back.
I'll steer on through
I'll continue to navigate through life, even when things get tough.
Deepest ocean bound
I'm headed towards uncharted territory, where I have to face my fears and deepest emotions.
Take a deep breath, in this salty grave
Take a moment to pause and appreciate the harsh realities of life, just like the salty sea water.
Help the numb embrace us
Allow yourself to feel and be vulnerable, even when it's uncomfortable or painful.
We both circle down
Our relationship sometimes feels like a downward spiral, where we keep repeating the same mistakes or patterns.
Deepest ocean bound
We are headed towards an unknown and uncertain future, and we have to navigate it together.
Contributed by Brayden Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@DaevaGlow
Beautiful video! :D
@MrsMutiny
The end actually put tears in my eyes <3
@Kepp-gq7gy
It’s been nearly 5 years and this is still a regular to listen to and is just as good the 1000th time as it was the first time
@mal-wx6tu
It's great that NZ on Air, is there getting behind these damn good bands, and I'm 58, but am still always looking for good sounds from Kiwi artists, back in the 80s & 90s radio never supported bands apart from Split Enz/ Crowded House etc with airplay.
@danielbolger9009
One of the most underrated bands of all time. And by far the best music video i've ever seen. Thank you for giving us this!
@TristanA.S.
Sound like Blacklistt but more soft, soft but siiiick! Keep going guys
@bryanlenihan5012
Marcus from Blindspott/Blacklistt is in this band
@suzigallagher8111
Best NZ music video I've seen in what feels like forever
@CityOfSouls
Forever Feels Suzi ;)
@fli9614
This could easily be #1 on any modern rock chart, great melody and composition, very powerful. So fucking underrated. Found you guys on Spotify btw.